Xu Qing’er’s heart raced upon hearing Bing’er’s report. She touched the little princess’s cheek and smiled, whispering, “Good child, your brother is dead. Dead is good, hehe…” She was not upset that Long Hanjie hadn’t come, thinking he must be sad but that she could surely give him another son. Xu Qing’er comforted the little princess, her face glowing with joy.
Following the loss of the little prince, there were few congratulations. The Empress sent some silk but didn’t provide many rewards. Xu Qing’er, supported by Bing’er, knelt on the ground, enduring the pain. This was the moment she had been waiting for.
“Xu Qing’er gives birth to a princess, granted the title of Qing Ce Fei.”
Xu Qing’er’s outward smile concealed her belief that one day she would no longer be just Ce Fei.
Long Hanjie’s eyes reddened upon seeing the little princess, and he held her close, saying, “You are my most precious princess.”
Xu Qing’er took out a handkerchief and pretended to wipe nonexistent tears from her eyes, saying, “Thank you for coming to see me, Your Highness.”
Long Hanjie sighed, “Why be so distant?”
Qing’er cried dramatically, “It’s all this servant’s fault. If I hadn’t given birth to the little princess, the little prince wouldn’t have…”
Bing’er interrupted, “Young lady, you mustn’t cry. You’re still in your postpartum period, though you’re grieving for the Crown Princess.”
Long Hanjie wiped away Qing’er’s tears, agreeing, “Yes, it has nothing to do with you.” He felt remorse for his son in his heart, reminding himself it was all an accident.
Qing’er pushed Long Hanjie away, saying softly, “Your Highness, go see your sister. She must… wuwu…”
Long Hanjie patiently comforted Xu Qing’er, “Good Qing’er, Qiu’er will adjust herself.”
Xu Qing’er laughed coldly inside. Xu Qiu’er, this is your fate.
Meanwhile, in the Prince’s Consort Palace, Xiao Ju could hardly believe that after losing the young master, the Empress had conferred the title of Compassionate Consort on Xu Qing’er. Angry, she looked at Liu Nainai, saying, “Nainai, our mistress’s life is so bitter.”
